To be a man was to be responsible. It was as simple as that. To be a man was to build some-thing, to try to make the world about him a bit easier to live in for himself and those who followed. You could sneer at that, you could scoff, you could refuse to acknowledge it, but when it came right down to it, Conn decided it was the man who planted a tree, dug a well, or graded a road who mattered.”
                    –Louis L’Amour  (Conagher)

       “But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation.  The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
                    –Luke 6:49 (NIV)
——————————-
I have greatly enjoyed watching The Chosen over the seasons.  One item that I disagree with is when Jesus is “preparing” for the Sermon on the Mount.  The film shows Him anxious, even fretful; He says He has to make it right.  It is my humble opinion that Jesus was not anxious, nor fearful of making a public speech.  We read several places in Scripture not to fear, nor to have anxiety.  This was His calling, part of His great purpose.  Jesus is the message–the message is Jesus.
     The Sermon on the Mount, oh my, what a series of life lessons, of ethics in which to guide one’s life.  John Stott says, “Here is a Christian value-system, ethical standard, religious devotion, attitude to money, ambition, lifestyle and network of relationships–all of which are totally at variance with those of the non-Christian world.”  If we have trouble with them, then check to see how close to the world we are living.  
     There are two main views regarding this “Sermon.”  One is that it was one sermon given on one day.  The other is that it is a set of sermons preached throughout Jesus’ ministry and Matthew simply placed them together as a whole.  There are some, of which I agree, that believe it could have been one sermon, but that they were also taught throughout His ministry.  I have started a study, as you can see, on what we call the Beatitudes.  One thing I have not noticed before now is the eschatological aspect of these verses as well as the practical meaning.  Keep that in mind as we look at them together.
     John Stott writes, “The beatitudes set forth the blessings God gives to those in whom He is working such a character–blessings given not as a reward for merit but as a gift of grace.”  The writing of Matthew simply begins, “And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.  Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:” (Matthew 5:1-2, NKJV)  When “He opened His mouth” is used as a solemn, grave, and dignified utterance.  The Greeks thought of it an “oracle”–a weighty saying.  In other words–LISTEN!  Listen, take to heart the words of Jesus.  According to William Barclay, this means that, “A person is really opening his heart and fully pouring out his mind.  It is used of intimate teaching with no barriers between.”
     To close out this introduction I want you to think of the setting and Jesus opening His heart to the disciples and to the multitude that had gathered.  Contemplate, ponder, meditate simply on the words of these two simple verses.  Then I want you to get into the imagery that Thomas Watson portrays:  
          “Here is a garden of delight, where you may pluck those flowers which will deck the hidden man of your heart.  Here is the golden key, which will open the gates of Paradise!  Here is the conduit of the Gospel, running wine to nourish as are poor in spirit and pure in heart.  Here is the rich cabinet wherein the Pearl of Blessedness is locked up.  Here is the gold pot in which that manna which will feed and revive the soul unto everlasting life.  Here is a way chalked out to the Holy of Holies.”

No, don’t just do your best. Do what you have to do, no matter what it takes; do your duty.”
                    –Chris Bennett  (Road to Revolution)

       “Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.”
                    –2 John 8 (NASB)
—————————-
          “Resolution–absolutely!  Resolution–why not?  No, not a quirk; it is not ‘resolutions are made to be broken.’  To be resolute means to be determined, bold, steady.  A resolution is the state or quality of being resolute; determination; a course of action resolved on.  Therefore, this is to be our determination the, our course of action, our duty, our way of life.  Now is the day of salvation.  Now is the time to make a stand.  Now is the time to declare our allegiance.”  (taken from “New Trails Through the Old Hymns).

               “I am resolved no longer to linger,
               Charmed by the world’s delight;
               Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
               These have allured my sight.”
                         –Palmer Hartsough

     Making resolutions seems to have become a New Year’s tradition.  Making them–then breaking them.  If that is the case, then it is not truly a resolution.  To make one is to make a determination, to discipline oneself to become better, overcome something, or strive for a goal.  When a person is born again, they repented–repentance is a form of resolution.  The way of life has changed; no more ruled by sin, but now resolving to live for the Lord.  It is hungering and thirsting for righteousness.  The world no longer delights us, but we seek, yearn for, and determine to set our standards on things that are higher.

               “I am resolved to go to the Savior,
               Leaving my sin and strife;
               He is the true one, He is the just one,
               He hath the words of life.”

     I do not think that a person has to wait for a New Year to get on the right track, to set goals.  In fact, as soon as someone thinks that they need to break a habit, form new habits or strive to live righteously, they need to start doing it immediately and not to wait until a certain time of the year.  I like what Matt Hagee calls it–“continuous improvement.”  That’s a more modern term for sanctification.
     God gave some important instructions to Joshua that we should well heed.  “…do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.” (Deuteronomy 1:7, NASB)  Don’t be looking around at the things in the world.  They will sway you, entice you and try to turn you away from your resolve to walk with the Lord.  You chose the Lord, you repented, that means you have consecrated (you have resolved) yourself to live for the Lord.  You have decided (resolved) to pick up your cross and follow Jesus.  Matthew reminds us of this, “If anyone wished to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” (16:24, NASB)

               “I am resolved to follow the Savior,
               Faithful and true each day;
               Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
               He is the living way.

               I am resolved to enter the kingdom,
               Leaving the paths of sin;
               Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
               Still will I enter in.”

     When we partake of the Lord’s Supper we are told to examine ourselves; that is, to look at our resolve.  Are there things in your life that are hindering your walk?  Are there people who may cause you to forget your purpose, your resolve?  Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:14, NASB)  Listen, “the heavenly way is not an easy way.  It will take dedication, concentration, the adherence to duty to make it.  No matter what may come–resolve to overcome.  Resolve no matter the obstacle, the storm, the battle, the wounds and scars, the odds;” (“New Trails Through the Old Hymns”) that you will continue on until you reach glory.
     Yes, if you see a need in your life make that resolution now.  But as you continue to walk there will be things that come up.  Don’t wait until the next New Year to take care of them–do it immediately!  Resolve not to let anything keep you from your walk with the Lord!

He never failed to watch the sunset.”
                    –Zane Grey  (Fighting Caravans)

       “Yes, I am the gate.  Those who come in through me will be saved.  Wherever they go, they will find green pastures.”
                    –John 10:9 (NLT)
——————————
               “The LORD is my shepherd, I have everything I need.”
                         –Psalm 23:1 (NLT)

I had several thoughts on how to start the Echo in 2026.  So often we get caught up right at the beginning of the year with thoughts such as:  “I hope this year is better,” or “It’s starting out badly,” or “It’s just like last year.”  Such thoughts, we need to shake them out of our mind if we really trust the Lord.  Since He is our shepherd, He does provide everything we need.  Notice–need!  The KJV says, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.”  We want so much, want this, want that, and if we stop wanting, once in a while we might thank the Lord for all He has provided, all that we need.
     Ponder the words of this old hymn, written by Dorothy Thrupp in 1836.

          “Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
          In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare.
          Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou has bought us, Thine we are;
          Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou has bought us, Thine we are.”

Troubles?  Yes, but don’t fret over them.  They come, they happen, and they go.  But if you feed your worry you carry your troubles a lot further than needed.  Trust, yes, trust in the Savior.  Get the words of Psalm 23 in your heart, don’t just say them because they are familiar.

              “He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.  He renews my strength.  He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.  Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.  Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
                        –Psalm 23:2-5 (NLT)

          “We are Thine, do Thou befriend us, be the guardian of our way.
          Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray:
          Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear, O hear us when we pray;
          Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, hear, O hear us when we pray.”

Don’t struggle so much with your problems, and more importantly don’t struggle with the Lord.  He knows the way, so why go your own way?  He is there!  Get that, He is there with you each step of the way.  When there is a crossroads along the journey, listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and when He points out the direction follow Him, don’t chide Him, don’t mock Him by saying your way is better.  Understand that He knows better than us.

          “Thou hast promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be;
          Thou hast mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse, and pow’r to free:
          Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, early let us turn to Thee;
          Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, early let us turn to Thee.”

Yes, we stumble.  Yes, we are often stiffnecked and go our own way and soon find we are in a heap of trouble.  Yes, we fail.  When we do these sinful, foolish things, know that He has mercy and grace to forgive us and He is ready to forgive and help us along the way again.  Think of His promises, then contemplate on His great faithfulness.

              “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.”
                          –Psalm 23:6 (NLT)

Going the wrong way, look and you will see the Holy Spirit pursuing you to bring you back to the right path.  Be ready for 2026, it will be an adventurous year in the Lord.  Keep your hand in His and if there is a problem, a sin, a mistake, a trip and stumble–be quick to look to the Lord.  Let Him draw closer you to than ever before.  You want a relationship, make it happen in 2026.

          “Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do Thy will;
          Blessed Lord and only Savior,
          With Thy love our bosoms fill:
          Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou hast loved us, love us still;
          Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Thou hast loved us, love us still.”